Redevelopment in the City

The City of Vancouver's land base has been almost fully developed for many years yet the city's population continues to grow. This population growth, currently averaging about 6,000 more people in the city every year, is accommodated in new dwellings created largely through redevelopment and infill. The continuing increases in housing capacity through redevelopment and infill are expected to be able to accommodate anticipated growth beyond 2041.

The redevelopment of large, former industrial areas to predominantly residential communities has added substantially to the housing stock in recent years. False Creek North, (Concord Pacific and International Village), Portico at Granville Bridge, Collingwood Village near Joyce SkyTrain station and the Arbutus Neighbourhood are all examples of medium to high density neighbourhoods developed on former industrial land. Major redevelopment projects that are currently underway include Southeast False Creek and East Fraserlands. While former industrial land has allowed much of the population growth in recent years, the city's remaining industrial areas are expected to remain as valuable employment areas.

For information sheets on major projects and sites, view Information Sheets.

Examples of Redevelopment

Single Family to Multi-Family

One way that new housing is being added is through infill development in some 'RT' zones which allow single family homes to become higher density, multi-unit dwellings. For example in 2003 a 2,000 square foot single family house built in 1977 was redeveloped to a 3,650 square foot three-unit dwelling.

Redevelopment of single family house to a three-unit dwelling, 2003.

Single Family to Townhouse

In some parts of the city, for example in Oakridge-Langara, rezoning is possible to create rowhouses where single family houses were built in the past.

Redevelopment of four single family homes to 21 row houses, completed in 2006.

Commercial to Mixed-use Commercial

Commercial areas along major streets such as Arbutus, Main, East Hastings and West 41st Avenue have seen redevelopment, with three floors of apartments added over commercial uses such as retail and food services. In some parts of the city where the zoning permits or a rezoning is acceptable, higher densities have been achieved.

Redevelopment of a C-2 low rise commercial to C-2 mixed use with 34 residential units above commercial completed in 2005.

Redevelopment of a C-3A low rise commercial to C-3A mixed use with 73 and 88 condominiums above commercial units on West Broadway, completed in 2007 and 2009.

Downtown Redevelopment

Redevelopment of former industrial areas and low-rise commercial areas to high-rise towers, especially in and around the downtown, has accommodated much of the recent increase in dwellings. Between 2001 and 2006 over half the city's population growth was downtown.

Redevelopment of a low-rise commercial in Downtown South to a 16-storey condominium building with 190 units, completed in 2008.

Downtown South redevelopment low-rise commercial areas to a 228 unit 34 storey tower with ground oriented dwellings and retail in 2008.

Downtown redevelopment of a parking lot on the edge of Chinatown to a 26-storey tower with 251 units including 33 assisted living dwellings in 2005.

Non-market Housing

Non-market housing is also contributing to redevelopment throughout the city. The City of Vancouver's Housing Centre has more information on the development of non-market housing.

Downtown South redevelopment of low-rise commercial to an 87 unit non-market rental housing project completed in 2009.

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